Security Gaps Emerge in Syrian Regions Amid Transition Efforts
As Syria's new authorities focus on major urban centers, peripheral areas face security challenges and increased violence.
Newly established authorities in Syria are concentrating on re-establishing control over major cities such as Damascus and Aleppo.
However, these efforts have left significant security gaps in peripheral and rural areas as well as border regions, which have once again become conduits for smuggling operations involving new groups.
In the villages of the al-Ghab area, located in northern Hama province and known for its diverse ethnic and social makeup, tensions have been rising due to an increase in small-scale attacks and the presence of armed groups.
Similarly, the mountainous coastal areas are witnessing a climate of fear and anxiety, exacerbated by retaliatory attempts and acts of violence that complicate the security efforts.
Remote regions like Ras al-Ayn, in northeastern Syria, have seen a rise in crime, with an increase in car and motorcycle thefts and civilian property thefts leading to public disquiet and calls for enhanced security measures.
The withdrawal of army and security personnel back to their native towns after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime has exacerbated the security vacuum, destabilizing these already fragile areas.
Simultaneously, northern Syria has become a battleground with intense clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-backed factions.
This has intensified local conflicts, applying additional military and political pressures.
Border surveillance has weakened, enabling a concerning trend of weapons smuggling, particularly along the borders with Lebanon and Jordan.
This raises the risk of these arms falling into the hands of outlaw groups.
The transitional authorities face the daunting challenge of rebuilding security institutions, restoring social stability, and resolving regional and local conflicts.
The current difficulties are largely attributed to the decision to disband the previous internal security forces without immediately introducing a robust replacement.
This decision has resulted in a noticeable security void, particularly in areas distant from the main urban centers.
The process of forming a new police force is proceeding very slowly, complicating the enforcement of law and order.
As a response to these challenges, the new Syrian administration recently issued an order prohibiting the entry of Iranian, Russian, and Israeli goods, with a directive to seize such goods at all land and sea border checkpoints.
However, these efforts have left significant security gaps in peripheral and rural areas as well as border regions, which have once again become conduits for smuggling operations involving new groups.
In the villages of the al-Ghab area, located in northern Hama province and known for its diverse ethnic and social makeup, tensions have been rising due to an increase in small-scale attacks and the presence of armed groups.
Similarly, the mountainous coastal areas are witnessing a climate of fear and anxiety, exacerbated by retaliatory attempts and acts of violence that complicate the security efforts.
Remote regions like Ras al-Ayn, in northeastern Syria, have seen a rise in crime, with an increase in car and motorcycle thefts and civilian property thefts leading to public disquiet and calls for enhanced security measures.
The withdrawal of army and security personnel back to their native towns after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime has exacerbated the security vacuum, destabilizing these already fragile areas.
Simultaneously, northern Syria has become a battleground with intense clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-backed factions.
This has intensified local conflicts, applying additional military and political pressures.
Border surveillance has weakened, enabling a concerning trend of weapons smuggling, particularly along the borders with Lebanon and Jordan.
This raises the risk of these arms falling into the hands of outlaw groups.
The transitional authorities face the daunting challenge of rebuilding security institutions, restoring social stability, and resolving regional and local conflicts.
The current difficulties are largely attributed to the decision to disband the previous internal security forces without immediately introducing a robust replacement.
This decision has resulted in a noticeable security void, particularly in areas distant from the main urban centers.
The process of forming a new police force is proceeding very slowly, complicating the enforcement of law and order.
As a response to these challenges, the new Syrian administration recently issued an order prohibiting the entry of Iranian, Russian, and Israeli goods, with a directive to seize such goods at all land and sea border checkpoints.
